Penny Pelletier

There were many things that brought a smile to the lips of Penny Pelletier things such as traveling and finding a great bargain, but nothing brought her more joy than the grandchildren she cherished more than life itself. She worked hard throughout her life and although the road was not always easy, Penny made the most of every opportunity she was given. Penny was kind and tender-hearted with a bit of an adventurous spirit as well. She was a devoted mother who poured herself into caring for the daughter with whom she shared many interests. Although Pennys days numbered far less than many are given, her family and friends are so very grateful for the precious moments they had to share with such a wonderful woman. The year 1955 was one of great significance since it was during this year that Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on an Alabama city bus, which heightened the fervor of the Civil Rights Movement. This was also time for great celebration in the family of Walter and JoAnn (Mann) Rouiller as they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Penny Kay, on June 21st. Penny was born in Grand Haven, Michigan, as the second of five children in her family including older brother David and younger siblings Henry, Steven, and Tina. During Pennys earliest years, she was raised in Toledo, Ohio, where her fathers family lived. Her father worked as a carpenter building houses with his father while Pennys mother was a homemaker. During the early sixties, the Rouiller family moved back to Grand Haven where they settled in Robinson Township near family. Pennys father found work at Ottawa Steel and her mother worked at High Q Lighting. Their family attended Church of Christ and Penny was a Girl Scout. Both of Pennys parents worked hard to provide for their family and although there wasnt money for extravagant vacations, they enjoyed family road trips to both the Upper Peninsula and Ohio to visit their relatives. When Penny was 16, she met a young man who would forever change the course of her life. His name was Andy Pelletier and he was in Grand Haven with a buddy after just having completed their United States Army basic training in Kentucky. The couple began dating and corresponded through letters while Andy continued to serve in the military. After falling in love, the couple was married on March 3, 1973, and Andy shipped out to Vietnam not long after. During that time, Penny lived with her parents and found employment doing office work at United Way. Penny was thrilled with the birth of their daughter, Jodie, on March 14, 1974. When Andy returned from serving in Vietnam, he was no longer the same man and their marriage ended in 1975. Penny and Jodie moved in with Pennys parents for the next 17 years. As a single mother, Penny worked hard to support herself and her daughter without needing assistance. She frequently babysat for her nieces and nephews and later found work at High Q Lighting where her mother also worked. Penny remained there until she injured her arm and was no longer able to fulfill her duties. In the early 1990s, Penny went back to school and earned a degree from Baker College. She then began working at Gentex for a short time before finding work in the housekeeping department at North Ottawa Community Hospital (NOCH). Although work occupied some of Pennys time, she was still able to be an active part of Jodies life. She was her Girl Scout leader and was also involved with many of her school activities. Penny and Jodie especially loved playing board games and going for rides with grandpa. Penny got her drivers license around the same time that her daughter got hers, so then mother and daughter were truly able to be footloose and fancy free. They liked to go to garage sales and flea markets together in search of the perfect bargain as often as they were able. Money was tight so there werent many vacations, but they did take a fun-filled trip to Great America in Chicago. Later in life, Penny and Jodie moved into Pennys grandparents home next door. She also met a young man named Ray Ford online about ten years ago. They began dating for a number of years and were even engaged for a time, but they later went their separate ways. Nothing could have brought Penny more joy than when she was blessed with her grandson, Austin, in 2002. The twins, Brianna and Trevor, followed not long after. They all lived together and Penny was more than willing to help raise them. When Jodie married Scott Gracey in 2008, he brought two more grandchildren to the family, a second Austin and Autumn. Throughout her life, Penny struggled with diabetes. In the mid 2000s, Pennys eyesight began to fail and she needed to quit working at the hospital. After she left work, Penny became friends with a long haul trucker and took many trips in his semi, traveling to nearly every state in the country. During this time, Penny began having more health issues including high blood pressure and neuropathy. It took several years and several doctors before they figured out what was really going on with her health. Penny began doing dialysis in November and was getting a bit better. Also during this time, she reconnected with Ray Ford. Penny was scheduled for surgery to address a stomach problem and was looking so forward to finally enjoying better health. Sadly, she suffered a stroke last week that was so severe that there was nothing that could be medically done to improve her condition. Penny was then transferred to the Hospice home in Spring Lake where she drew her last breath surrounded by her family. Penny Pelletier was never one to let life pass her by, rather, she was one who made the most of her circumstances no matter what they were. She found happiness when she was gathered with the ones she loved regardless of what they were doing. Penny was no stranger to hard work and was a woman who knew how to stretch every dollar. She adored her grandchildren and was actively involved in shaping them as well. Penny was dearly loved by many and will be greatly missed. Penny Kay Pelletier died Monday, May 17, 2010. Pennys family includes her daughter, Jodie (Scott) Gracey of Grand Haven; 5 grandchildren, Austin, Brianna & Trevor Pelletier & Autumn & Austin Gracey; father, Walter Rouiller; siblings, Henry (Deb) Rouiller, Tashina "Tina" Rouiller & Steven Rouiller; special friend, Carol (Kevin) Gilde of Grand Haven; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins & friends. Penny was preceded in death by her mother, JoAnn; grandparents, and her brother, David Rouiller. A service will be held on Wednesday, May 19, 2010, at Noon at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes Grand Haven location, Grand Haven, MI, with Pastor Steve Turrell officiating. Visit with Pennys family and friends on Wednesday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.